Mt. Bailey is the other major peak in the Diamond Lake area; it's neighbor Mt. Thielsen sees more ascents. Lying just west of Diamond Lake, Bailey has a steep 4.9 mile trail leading all the way to the top. According to Sullivan, the final mile is full of surprises: a hidden crater, a rock garden of wildflowers, a double summit and a rock wall with a window overlooking Diamond Lake.

Activity Notes

 Note: You may want to sign up for the Thielsen climb the day before, but it is not necessary. Mt. Bailey: Meet at the Thielsen Trailhead parking area at 8:00AM Sunday, Sept. 26. From there we will drive south 1 mile to the Highway 230 turn off. Turn west, then immediately take the Diamond lake turnoff (Road 6592) to the picnic area pointer, then turn right on road 4795 for 1.7 miles. Continue past Silent Creek and turn left on dirt road 300 for.4 mile to a parking area and the trailhead of Mt. Bailey (5250 ft elevation).

Take the trail 2.4 miles to the upper trailhead (accessabile via 4WD only). The trail continues through dense forest. With elevation, the trees thin out and views improve. Reach a ridgecrest and the 300 ft wide crater. Continue north through a saddle then steeply to the main summit at 8368. Great views of Thielsen, Diamond lake and Crater lake rim. Total gain, 3130 ft, distance, 9.8 miles round trip. Time, 6 hours. Return to cars by 3 PM and drive home. Mostly a hike, with just a short bit of easy scrambling to reach the summit.
Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 250 miles
Driving Time from Portland 5 hours
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Relevant Books 75 Scrambles in Oregon by Barbara Bond 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades by William Sullivan
Relevant Maps Google map
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